Photos: Arizona's first Sweet 16 team
Ok, so the NCAA tournament had yet to field 64 teams, and it wasn't even called the "Big Dance" (to our knowledge at least). But the 1975-76 Arizona Wildcats, coached by Fred Snowden and led by all-time-great Bob Elliott, made the NCAA tournament and advanced to the round of eight by beating UNLV in its first Sweet 16 appearance. Take a peek at the team in photos (sadly, no access is available at this time to photos from the tournament game).
Arizona basketball vs. Wyoming, 1976
Arizona's Bob Elliott in a game against Wyoming at McKale Center in Arizona's first Sweet 16 season in 1975-76. No photos from Arizona's tournament win over UNLV are available at this time.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
Arizona's Gilbert Myles, left, and Bob Elliott raise their hands after a 77-72 win on the final day of the regular season on Mar. 6, 1976. Steve Lake (15) is in the background.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
UA head coach Fred Snowden surrounded by Arizona State players during an Arizona vs. Arizona State game at McKale Center on Mar. 6, 1976.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
UA head coach Fred Snowden during an Arizona basketball game at McKale Center on Mar. 6, 1976.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
Arizona's Herman Harris fakes a pass against a New Mexico defender as teammate Len Gordy looks on in the background at McKale Center on Jan. 21, 1976.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
Arizona's Len Gordy takes a contested shot against Wyoming as teammate Bob Elliott (55) prepares for a possible offensive rebound at McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
Wildcat Herman Harris rises to shoot over a Wyoming defender at McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
Arizona's first Sweet 16 team, the 1975-76 Wildcats
Arizona's Gilbert Myles takes the ball to the basket against a Wyoming defender at McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
Arizona is in the Sweet 16 for the 16th time. Sweet!